This holiday season, put safety at the top of your list when it comes to gift giving. Did you know that there are more than 250,000 toy-related injuries in hospital emergency rooms each year? When purchasing toys look for the letters “ASTM” (American Society for Testing and Materials). This designation means the product meets the national safety standards set by ASTM International.

The Influenza virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can keep you in bed for weeks or even develop into a severe respiratory illness that requires hospitalization. Make sure you and your family stay flu-free this season.

Avoid the flu:

Get the flu shot.

Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.

Avoid friends who are sick or have been sick in the last 5-7 days.

Wash your hands frequently.

Already have a cold or the flu? Take these steps to recover quickly:

Stay home, and get plenty of rest.

Drink plenty of fluids to keep your respiratory system hydrated.

Sit in a steamy bathroom or run a humidifier.

Treat aches and fever with medication like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Ask your doctor which one is right for you.

Dr. John P. Meserve

DFD Russell is extremely saddened by the untimely loss of Dr. John P. Meserve, a practitioner at our Monmouth location. Dr. Meserve died unexpectedly in an early-morning car accident on his way to work Thursday, Nov. 17.

More than anything, Dr. Meserve loved his family, friends, and his profession. Over his 30-year career, he cared for thousands of patients from Kennebunk to Millinocket, Portland and Monmouth. He was the type of doctor who truly listened to his patients and even made house calls.

Dr. Meserve practiced family medicine as a board-certified physician and was known in his community as a caring and knowledgeable medical provider. He touched many lives and will be truly missed by his DFD Russell Medical Center colleagues and patients.

Dr. Meserve was born in 1955 in Gardiner to William M. Meserve and Kathleen Kiley Meserve. He grew up with his two brothers, Michael and David, and many loving friends. John is survived by his wife; his brothers; his four children; his two grandchildren, Johan and Charlie; his daughter-in-law, Annette; and his sons-in-law, Joseph and Nicholas

DFD Russell Medical Center offers a full line of services to meet your needs. Meidcare Annual Wellness exams, physicals, behavioral health, sick care, lab tests, care management and community support services all in one location. At DFD Russell, we make it easy to get the care you deserve.

Enrollment is open from November 1, 2016 – January 31,2017.

Think you don’t qualify for assistance for healthcare through the marketplace? Chances are, you probably do. More than 95% of Mainers qualify for health insurance. Starting in 2013, most people are required by law to have health insurance, or pay a fee with their income tax return. No one plans to get sick or hurt, but most people need medical care at some point. Health coverage helps pay for these costs and protects you from very high expenses.

Did you know the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is $30,000? Or fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500? Having health coverage protects you from high, unexpected costs like these.

DFD is here to offer free assistance to help go over your options and to find the best healthcare plan for you. Call our Community Healthcare Outreach workers Cami Warren or Tia Knapp to get health coverage for 2017 today. 207-524-3501

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You can reduce your risk for developing breast cancer! To lower your risk, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and talk to your medical provider about any use of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives.

Raise awareness. Share the stats.

1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

Over 250,000 women under 40 in the U.S. live with a breast cancer diagnosis.

An estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

93% of women with early breast cancer diagnosis survive beyond 5 years.

There are over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.

DFD is excited to support our communities and encourage others to walk, run, or bike in support of The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in this year’s Dempsey Challenge.

When and where does this happen?

The 2016 Dempsey Challenge takes place in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, October 1-2.

What does it benefit?

Proceeds from the challenge go to the Dempsey Center. The Dempsey Center offers a vibrant and compassionate environment where an interdisciplinary team of oncology professionals improves the healing experience for those impacted by cancer. Through customized programs The Dempsey Center provides support services that complement treatments, support caregivers, patients and their families equally Source: Demspeycenter.org

How to get involved:

Anyone can get involved and there is an event for everyone.

Bike – 10, 25, 70, or 100 miles

Tow-day 140+ mile bike ride presented by L.L. Bean

Run or walk 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles)

Festival in the Park – Saturday 8 am – 1 pm, Sunday 9 am – 5 pm

Music Festival at Festival in the Park

Kid’s Fun Run and Family Ride

Survivor Walk

You can show your love for team DFD by donating your loose change at one of our coin jars at the front desk at each DFD Health Center location.

Protect your sports superstars this fall.

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Those who suffer concussions often report trouble focusing, short-term memory loss, difficulty performing daily tasks, and feeling “slower overall. A quick crack on the noggin can make a lasting impact, so it’s important to take concussion prevention seriously.

Symptoms of concussion as reported by athletes:

Headache or “pressure” in head

Nausea or vomiting

Balance problems or dizziness

Double or blurry vision

Sensitivity to noise

Sensitivity to light

Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

Concentration or memory problems

Confusion

Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”

Signs of concussion observed by coach or caregiver:

Appears dazed or stunned

Is confused about assignment or position

Forgets instruction

Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

Moves clumsily

Answers questions slowly

Loses consciousness (even briefly)

Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Concussion Danger Signs

In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd against the skull. An athlete needs to receive immediate medical attention after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body if s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:

One pupil is larger than the other

Is drowsy or cannot be awakened

A headache that gets worse

Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

Repeated vomiting or nausea

Slurred speech

Convulsions or seizures

Cannot recognize people or places

Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated

Has unusual behavior

Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)

Concussion Prevention Tips:

Make sure athletes follow the coach’s and sport’s rules for safety.

Children should always wear the right protective equipment for the activity.

Protective equipment should fit properly and be well maintained.

Encourage your athletes to practice good sportsmanship at all times.

Emphasize the importance of reporting concussions and taking time to recover from one.

Did You Know?

Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.

Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion.

Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.

By being aware of the risks, symptoms, and how to avoid concussions; your athletes can have a safe and fun season. Wishing all our athletes a fun and successful season!